The husband of Rishi Sunak's newly appointed Science Secretary previously claimed Covid-19 was "most likely an outbreak of mental illness".
The Prime Minister carried out a mini-reshuffle today to replace sacked Dominic Raab and to appoint maternity cover for two top Tories.
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith will be the new Secretary of State for Science and Innovation when Michelle Donelan goes on maternity leave.
The appointment may raise eyebrows as her husband, Sandy McFadzean, hit the headlines in 2020 when he reportedly attended an anti-lockdown march in London.
At the time, he tweeted: "Covid-19 is most likely an outbreak of mental illness."
A further post read: "Government need to be clear. Either there is a killer virus on the loose or there isn't. (Spoiler alert: There isn't)."
His Twitter account was deleted after the Eastern Daily Press contacted Ms Smith for comment.
Ms Smith, who was Constitution Minister at the time, said: "My husband's a private citizen. Everyone's entitled to their own view, and to debate. I take a different view.
"My own views are on the record and I'll carry right on working for my constituents accordingly."
Ms Smith was Work and Pensions Secretary during Liz Truss's disastrous 49-day stint in No10 and has previously held a number of ministerial posts.
She announced in November that she would stand down at the next election. She has represented the marginal seat of Norwich North since 2009.
Former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale will return to his old department as a minister when Julia Lopez goes on maternity leave, No10 announced yesterday.
The PM has also filled the roles left by Mr Raab with two close allies.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden has been named as the new Deputy PM, while Defence Minister Alex Chalk has been promoted to be the new Justice Secretary.
A former Solicitor General, Mr Chalk is an ally of the PM and attended the same elite school - Winchester College.
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